Organisations across Worcestershire are being urged to take £40, and grow it into as much as possible for a hospice charity.

Worcester's St Richard's Hospice has launched the 'Grow Your Dough' challenge, where teams are encouraged to use their ingenuity to increase that initial amount.

It is open to businesses, community groups, and schools, with the start-up fund provided by Ormerod Rutter chartered accountants, the sponsors of the campaign.

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Ria Simons, corporate fundraising lead at the hospice, said: "We chose this challenge as part of celebrations to mark our 40th year of caring in Worcestershire.

"We can’t wait to see how teams from across our brilliant community use their ingenuity to raise funds for our care.

"Teams might choose to use their £40 to hold a fundraising bake sale, or to buy a prize for a raffle.

"As long as it’s legal and ethical, it’s up to them how they grow their dough."

She added: "Our thanks go to sponsors Ormerod Rutter and every team which signs up for the challenge.

"Together, we can raise much-needed funds to help us continue to care for patients and those important to them."

Amy Cooper, marketing manager at the chartered accountants, said: "Ormerod Rutter are delighted to sponsor St Richard’s Hospice with their Grow Your Dough Challenge in what is a milestone year for the charity.

"Many members of our team have experienced first-hand the excellent care that St Richard’s provide and it’s an honour to be able to give back and support this fantastic organisation."

Sign-ups have already started, and will continue until August 31, with fundraising ongoing until October 31.

This gives all teams at least two months to grow their initial £40, but the quicker teams sign up, the more time they have to raise funds.

The hospice provides free palliative care to over 3,100 patients and their families each year in Worcestershire alone.

Running the hospice costs approximately £12 million per annum, including patient care and necessary support services, with voluntary support, with donations and events making up the majority of the income.